The sky at dawn was still close to deep indigo. 　Takumi stood in the front courtyard of Tetsuhane Manor—a three-story stone building that served as the headquarters of the Ash Wing Brigade. Morning dew glistened on the stone pavement. His breath came out white. 　What happened last night still clung to the corner of his mind. 　The remnants of the seal—that fragment of crystal—had pulsed in his hand. Ever since returning to the inn, unable to sleep, he'd kept gripping it in his pocket. Tonight it wasn't warm, but vibrated with a faint, rhythmic pulse. As if remembering something. （There's a test today, isn't there） 　He pulled his hand from his pocket. The air was cold. 　Five other examinees had already gathered in the courtyard. Most appeared older than Takumi. A large young man in leather armor, a woman holding a short staff, a middle-aged man with calm eyes—all of them carried an air of being "experienced." 　Takumi stood at the edge of their circle. "You came." 　A low voice so